Landscaping works at Civic Street

The investment in landscaping to enhance the open space on Civic Street is welcomed. This has transformed a neglected area in to a outdoor meeting place for residents and visitors.

View of improved outdoor space with seating on Civic Street

There is a need for ongoing support for enhancement of this area next to the M8 Woodside Viaduct. It is key part of a Canal Quarter providing a base for a range of creative people and cultural organisations.

Cycle lane on Hopehill Road

This month, the cycle lane has been reinstated with the boulder put back in place to stop cars cutting through Hopehill Road.

View of Cycle Lane

This cycle lane is established in Hopehill Road as part of the Connecting Woodside Project. It encourages people to cycle due to the availability of a segregated cycle lane.

Nelson Mandela statue unveiled

On 9th October 2026, I was glad to find the Nelson Mandela statue was light up. It was unveiled within Nelson Mandela Square and commemorates the South African Anti-apartheid Leader.

                                   View of Nelson Mandela Statue

                             

Thanks to the Scottish sculptor, Alan B Herriot who was selected to create the statue. The project was overseen by the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation.

Viewpoint at Speirs Wharf

I enjoy a visit to the canal towpath at Speirs Wharf. This location has a cultural mix with lots of heritage buildings, several cafes, and arts activities near the Forth and Clyde Canal

Views of the canal towpath at Speirs Wharf

This is a busy route which is ideal for cycling, walking and jogging. There are also lots of canal boats to admire along this section of the canal towpath. Thanks to Scottish Canals for their ongoing repairs and maintenance work.

Empty Building in Park Terrace Lane

This month, there have been further reports about empty buildings impacting on residents. There is an ongoing concern about a vacant unit on Park Terrace Lane.

This unit has been causing maintenance issues for people living in Park Terrace Lane for many years. It is hoped that the owner is willing to refurbish this building or put it up for sale, soon. 

Building work progresses at Grant Street

During my regular walks along St. Georges Road, I have noticed the ongoing work to construction a 6-storey building to accommodate new student flats. This scale of flatted development is expected to provide housing for 262 students.

View of the 6 storey building under construction

The new build is a significant change to the outlook of existing properties on Grant Street. There is a need to support existing residents who are neighbouring this development whilst the construction is progressing. 

Calls for better parental leave

This month, I provided support for the calls to establish a better parental leave system for parents by the UK Government. There is a petition gathering supporters of 6 weeks paternity leave paid at 90% of salary for all and more flexible working as default.

View of banners at the demonstration held by parents on 27th August.

More information is available from campaigners involved in the current movement known as the Parent Strike including @mother_pukka, @dadshiftuk and @pregnant_then_screwed.

 

Repair of historic railings at busy junction

The repairs undertaken to the railings at the junction of Queen Margaret Drive and Great Western Road have been greatly welcomed. These railings had been damaged and they had been a cause of concern from residents for many months.

View of replacement railings

These new railings have enhanced the appearance of this area and they promote the historic character of this junction next to the entrance of the Botanic Gardens. 

Thanks to everyone who has highlighted the importance of these railings as a local feature but also, their role for improving safety of people using this junction to get around.

Maintenance work at Wilton Street Garden

This month, there has been maintenance work carried out by council services at Wilton Street Community Garden. This has been a huge boost for local residents.

View of entrance gate with improved accessibility

                                      Hedging has been trimmed at the paths.

                       Central area  as a meeting place within the community garden

Thanks to the support from residents and council officers who were involved in the improvements to the community garden. There is needed to ensure that this greenspace is well maintained for community use and further investment is needed for its annual upkeep.

Viewpoint at the River Kelvin

I enjoyed a walkabout at the Viewpoint, this week. This community garden is providing a peaceful location to sit, relax and spend time being outdoors in Hillhead.

View of benches 

The Viewpoint is offering a beautiful space for residents to meet up and get involved in gardening. This is a unique greenspace beside the River Kelvin. It is successfully promoting the health and wellbeing of local residents. There are a selection of benches to encourage people to sit together, meet their neighbours, reduce isolation and support the development of new friendships.

Ramps installed to support disabled people

This month, I have received enquiries from residents about the lack of ramps at the section of pavement on Great Western Road that is closed due to safety concerns.

View of closed off pavements and ramps installed after enquiries

Residents in wheelchairs or mobility scooters as well as people with prams have been experiencing problems getting around the area as ramps were missing.  Thankfully there are two ramps available to use, now. This heras fencing is expected to continue to be placed across the pavement until repairs and maintenance work to the tenement housing is undertaken.

Access to Kelvinbridge Subway

This week, I was glad to find that both escalators at Kelvinbridge Subway Station were operational as this is essential for people gaining access to and from Great Western Road.

View of the entrance and exit to Kelvinbridge Subway Station 

at Great Western Road

Many residents are very grateful that the repairs to the escalators are completed. The access to/from Great Western Road has been difficult without both of these escalators.

Further investment to improve accessibility of the subway network for disabled people is being called for. Thanks to SPT's staff for all of the ongoing repairs and maintenance work at Glasgow's Subway.

Get involved in the Reading Challenge

This month, I noticed posters in Glasgow Libraries to encourage adults to get involved in reading books and perhaps, joining a book group.

I hope that if you are not borrowing books from your local library, you will consider dropping in to find out about this reading challenge. 

Scottie in the City by St Joseph's Primary

In the last week, I was delighted to find a Scottie in the City designed by pupils from St. Joseph's Primary.

Scottie in the City designed by pupils from St. Joseph's Primary

View of Joseph alongside other Scotties in the City

There are four Scotties in the City including Joseph on the ground floor at the Mitchell Library. They are part of a public art trail in Glasgow to support Maggie's cancer charity on display until 16th August 2026

Changes to streetscape at St Georges Road

This month, there has been significant progress on the construction of the new residential building at the corner of Grant Street and St Georges Road.

The two cranes involved in this construction work dominate the skyline of the area. Traffic management arrangements are controlling vehicle movements at Grant Street. The size and scale of this development brings changes to the local architecture as well as a local population increase for Woodlands.

Celebration of public toilets

Last week, I noticed that the public toilets in Kelvin Way, located next to the bandstand and amphitheatre, have been decorated. The colourful bunting is a positive addition to the toilet building.

Thanks to all the staff who look after the toilets and ensure that the public have access to well maintained facilities when they are enjoying being outdoors around Kelvingrove Park.

Tenement repair at corner of Oakfield Avenue

This month, it has been a relief to find the scaffolding taken down at 16-18 Oakfield Avenue. It has been possible for the road to reopen from Glasgow Street in to Oakfield Avenue.

Tenement restoration at corner of 

Glasgow Street & Oakfield Avenue

In discussions with residents, everyone appreciates the huge efforts made by owners with assistance from their factor, as well as contractors, and the Council to ensure this tenement was restored.

Food growing supported at Cedar Street

From the high rise flats on Cedar Street, there are good views of a community garden and allotments. It is really positive that residents and tenants of Cedar Street have access to food growing spaces.

Views of the community garden and allotment site

The new allotment site is being developed by local gardeners for food growing, this year. This site has been transformed at the end of housing refurbishment works and completion of the first phase of Woodside Making Places. This area is supported as part of Glasgow's Food Growing Strategy.

Accessibility improved at St Georges Cross

In the last week, I noticed that new tactile paving has been installed within the access routes of St Georges Cross Subway Station,

Improved accessibility at St Georges Cross Subway

The investment in the walkways to improve accessibility at St Georges Cross Subway is very welcome. Thanks to everyone involved in efforts to enhance the footways used to access the Subway Stations in Glasgow.

Beautiful blossoms at Napiershall Park

There have been tree blossoms to enjoy when getting around, this month. Recently, I noticed some beautiful trees in bloom within the Napiershall Park, Woodside. These blossoms are a boost to our local parks and greenspaces.

View of the blossom in Napiershall Street

View of the blossom in Napiershall Street

Napiershall Park has some benches which enable residents to sit and chat with friends or relax in the outdoors. It is a very important outdoor space for the local community.